After years of dating, Katy and Shane are finally Mr. and Mrs. Taylor! It doesn’t get any sweeter than that!

Katy and Shane’s wedding day was incredibly special! Yes, for all of the reasons you may guess… Their marriage, the celebration, and their first day as husband and wife. But, their wedding day was even more special because these two are my family. Their bridal party, friends, and guests were so many people that have been a part of my life – cousins, sister, friends, and more! Working with family is extra special and meaningful to me!

Over the past months, I have had the honor to see Katy’s wedding planning from two perspectives – as her photographer and as her cousin. I’ve gotten a “behind the scenes” look at Katy’s dress shopping adventure, decoration crafting, bridesmaid dress “wrapping” techniques (oh girls, they looked BEAUTIFUL!), venue of Pear Tree Estate, and MORE! It’s been joyful and sincerely fun to have a more in-depth perspective to her planning process, and this truly made documenting all of the details and their love story that much more important!

But before I get too ahead of myself, I want to tell you more about Katy and Shane’s love story. These two have been dating for a decade, and they are so so in love. I’m sure Katy never would have imagine that she would marry her first boyfriend, but I know she is forever thankful! Their love is sweet, playful, and most importantly a lifetime love of acceptance and unconditional affection. The past year or so of Katy and Shane’s story has been full – they got engaged, closed on their first home, and planned a wedding. Life is sweet!

All throughout Katy and Shane’s wedding day, there were so many moments of emotion, and you know I’m a crier! From the moment Katy stepped into her dress and her mom laced the corset to the mantel of memories of loved ones that had passed to the moment of the father-daughter dance at the reception… There were tears of JOY! Katy, our sweet Katy, was MARRIED, and all of her people were alongside her to support, celebrate, and share in this happiness!

This wedding day was one of the first days where the fall season began to linger and the wintery air and light became more pronounced as the seasons change. Two of my favorite details of the day were Katy’s momento of her grandfather and her gift to Shane. Katy’s dress had a delicate heart sewn on (you’ll see it in many photos) from her late grandfather’s work shirt. As her family member, those blue shirts are an iconic heirloom and mean so much to Katy and her family. My other favorite detail? Katy’s gift of “reasons I want to marry you” given to Shane on the morning of their wedding. It was a beautiful moment and gift for her groom, and it flooded so many emotions to Shane’s heart on the morning of his wedding day.

At the end of the day, Katy and Shane were married with wedded bliss, celebrated alongside their family and friends, danced the night away, and truly had a day to remember at their gorgeous central Illinois venue… Here’s to many more married days, months, and years ahead for these two!

Katy & Shane – I love you both, and I am incredibly grateful that I was your engagement and wedding photographer! Your wedding will always have a special place in my heart!

Bride’s Attire: Ella Rosa at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Bridesmaid Dresses: Etsy | Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Elite Tuxedo at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Hair: Vicki Walver – Watseka, IL | Makeup: Brittany Koroyanis Makeup Artistry – Champaign, IL | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Pear Tree Estate – Champaign, IL | Florist: Blossom Basket – Urbana, IL | DJ: Party On Productions – Urbana, IL | Photo Booth: Everlasting Images & Sounds | Videographer – Totally Creative Video – Morton, IL | Cake: Cream & Flutter – Champaign, IL | Catering: LA Gourmet Catering – Champaign, IL | Invitations/Paper Goods: Wedding Paper Divas